Sunday, September 4, 2011

Toledo Junior Holds Early Offers

Nigel Hayes-6'7 Jr Toledo Whitmer

Nigel Hayes, a 6’7 power forward from Toledo Whitmer, has parlayed a solid summer of AAU basketball into a handful of college scholarship offers, as well as interest from several high major programs. In a conversation with Hayes recently, he advised he has received offers from: Xavier, Cincinnati, Dayton, Butler, Akron, Central Michigan and Toledo. In addition, Hayes, ranked as the #2 power forward in the state by John Stovall and Prep Spotlight, is reportedly receiving interest from Ohio State, Purdue, West Virginia and Memphis. Although it’s still early in the process, Hayes already lists his favorites as Ohio State, Xavier and Butler.

The only unofficial visit he has taken so far was at Xavier 3 years ago. Hayes does not have any current plans to make any visits prior to the high school season, and he expects to make his decision sometimes before his senior year. When he does pull the trigger on a program he will consider the school’s “academics, athletics and location.” Hayes also mentioned that he would prefer to “play close to home, either in-state or a neighboring state.” Also, although Hayes plays wide receiver for the Toledo Whitmer football team, and has already secured a scholarship offer from Wisconsin, he prefers hoops at the next level.

When asked about the upcoming prep season, Hayes indicated his “goal is to win states. We still need to see if our transfers are able to play (Leroy Alexander, Recardo Smith & Chris Harris). Three of our five starters are new,” said Hayes. “If we can get our chemistry together we can be pretty good,” continued Hayes. Although I saw Hayes dominate at times this summer, he appeared to be a little disappointed with his personal and team's performance (ran with All-Ohio Red), stating, “It was pretty good, but not as good as it could have been. As a team, we should have won more tournaments than we did.” Hayes accepted his role in his team’s limited success stating, “I should have played better than I did.” Look for Hayes to have a breakout season this year.